Malaysia has it all. On the mainland is the rainforest Taman Negara, the world’s oldest rainforest with a large number of distinctive animal and plant species. The coasts are provided with long, deserted sandy beaches and a fascinating world beneath the surface of the sea. Abbreviated as MY by ABBREVIATIONFINDER, Malaysia is a multicultural country inhabited by Malays, Chinese and Indians, side by side, and the many different peoples and religions have left behind exciting temples and shrines.
Below you will find practical information in connection with trips to Malaysia.
- Language: Malaysian and Chinese
- Capital: Kuala Lumpur
- Residents: 31, 3 mill.
- Religion: Sunni Islam and Buddhism
- Currency: Ringgit
- Surface: 329,847 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
The time difference between Sweden and Malaysia varies according to whether Sweden has summer or winter time:
Summer time + 6 hours
Winter time + 7 hours
Transport in Malaysia
Bus The
buses in Malaysia do not quite meet the same standard as in Europe . We have of course chosen the best category of air conditioning where possible.
Flights
On our round trips in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, we often travel the longer distances by domestic flights. The Swedish tour guide informs the tour participants about all practicalities at check-in at the airport, as well as flight time for the current route.
Price level
Prices in Malaysia are usually lower than in Sweden. You get a good meal for around SEK 100 and our experience tells us that you can manage on around SEK 250. When buying complementary drinks and more, an additional SEK 120 per day and person will be added.
Tip
Usually tips are included in the price through a 10% service charge that is added to the bill. It is customary to leave 5-10 percent in tips at better restaurants, depending on what service you get.
Currency and credit cards
Malaysia’s currency is called ringgit (MYR). You can buy Malaysian ringgit in Sweden. Alternatively, you can change at the airport, banks, exchange offices and at most hotels.
Larger shops, restaurants and hotels accept VISA and MasterCard and you can also withdraw money with these cards at ATMs.
Electricity
In Malaysia, 240 volts are used, and therefore you should bring an adapter if you want to be sure of being able to use any electronic equipment you brought from home. Some hotels have an adapter to lend, but there are no guarantees.
Telephone and internet
Malaysia’s international country code is +60. It can be expensive to call home from Malaysia, so feel free to ask your telecom operator about call costs to and from Malaysia.
Most major cities have internet cafes and the larger hotels offer internet connection for a fee.
Hygiene
Hotels and larger restaurants have modern toilets on the same level as those in the west. Out on the town, you may come across so-called pedal toilets and lack of toilet paper. However, the standard of public toilets in cities and in the countryside may seem somewhat primitive. Bring your own toilet paper or a package of wet wipes and possibly. hand disinfection (available at Swedish pharmacies, among other places). Then you can do without water if there is no such thing.
Smoking
For air travel and transport, there is an absolute ban on smoking. You may not smoke indoors in public places unless this is done within a clearly defined smoking area.
Customs and traditions
Malaysians are incredibly happy and friendly. It is not up to the Malaysians to tell them how to behave, and they assume that all visitors already know how to behave when they arrive in their country.
Although Malaysians are used to tourists, they are expected to respect their shrines and customs with respect and appropriate attire. You should wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, and remember to take off your shoes when visiting religious sites.
Use only your right hand when receiving or giving something. The left hand is considered unclean.
If you are going to wave to a waiter or show the way, use the whole hand instead of one finger as it is considered most respectful.
Climate and weather Malaysia
On this page you can read about the climate and weather in Malaysia – see, among other things, temperatures for the capital Kuala Lumpur and Kuching on Borneo.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | CHRISTMAS | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| Kuala Lumpur | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Night temperature | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 170 | 166 | 241 | 259 | 204 | 125 | 127 | 156 | 193 | 253 | 288 | 246 |
| Kuching, Borneo | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 |
| Night temperature | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 684 | 473 | 339 | 273 | 242 | 220 | 186 | 230 | 262 | 339 | 372 | 498 |
The climate in Malaysia is tropical and warm all year round. The average temperature is between 21 – 32 ºC, and in Kuala Lumpur about 27 ºC. During April – May it is the warmest in the country. The weather is also affected by annual monsoons. The east coast has a lot of precipitation, especially between October – February. In the western parts of the country it rains all year round, but with the risk of more precipitation in connection with the monsoon Apr – Oct.
